Opening a car door or the liftgate is usually something that we take for granted, assuming it will work as long as we have the key. But sometimes you might think why is my power liftgate not working?
This once seamless process can now present different issues. Power liftgate issues can stem from malfunctioning switches or latches. If the liftgate won’t open despite pressing the button on the key fob or power buttons, the switches or latch may be faulty.
If you wonder why my power liftgate isn’t working? This article focuses on troubleshooting problems with power liftgates. For the liftgate that remains unlocked yet fails to open. If you have a manual liftgate or your power gate is not unlocking. A faulty tailgate lock system may cause the problem, or another approach may be necessary.
What is a liftgate?
An electric or automatic liftgate is also called a power liftgate. Certain vehicles have this feature that allows them to open and close the trunk or cargo area. The keyless entry system can be activated with a button or by using a remote control.
Even though you can open and close the power liftgate manually, it is powered by an electric motor. Vehicles with this feature are generally SUVs or crossovers. There may be some models that allow you to open or close the liftgate to some extent. The movement is stopped by a sensor that detects obstacles.
How Do You Manually Open A Power Liftgate?
It is not recommended to use some force to move a power liftgate. The power motor and its accompanying components may be damaged if the unactivated system is forced to move.
If your power liftgate fails, you can only access your boot from the back seats, making repairing any problem with the liftgate paramount.
The power liftgate is not used in the same way as the manual liftgate in some cars that are more forgiving. These cars can be opened and closed without using power.
Power tailgates can also be fully disengaged in other cars, so you can manually open the trunk.
Verify whether these features are available in your user manual. In the event that they do not, and your power tailgate is constantly engaged, please refrain from manually operating it as this could cause damage.
How to Close a Power Liftgate?
Close the power liftgate several ways, such as with the key fob, the liftgate button, or a button inside the vehicle. Some vehicles also have a “hands-free liftgate” feature which allows you to close the liftgate by kicking your foot under the rear bumper. This feature uses sensors to detect your foot and auto-close the liftgate.
If equipped with a proximity sensor, the vehicle’s liftgate auto closes to prevent injury or damage if it detects an obstacle in its path. It is essential to ensure that the liftgate is safely latched before driving. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to close your liftgate.
Why Is My Electric Powergate Not Opening Fully?
Electric power liftgates on virtually all cars can be adjusted in height. With this feature, you won’t bump your head when accessing the boot when you’re in a low garage.
It can be set by using a button in the cabin, a menu in the infotainment system, or a configuration menu in the car. To ensure that it opens fully, make sure the configuration is set to the maximum opening location.
A pro tip: Some cars have sensors that control their opening. Any low-lying obstacle, such as a garage roof, will be prevented from bumping into the liftgate.
Why Is My Power Liftgate Not Working?
Why is my power liftgate not working? Well there are many reasons.
Use electronic controllers to open and close power liftgates and tailgates. This allows you the freedom to push a button on the trunk or key fob and wait for it to whirl open. Some even open when you ‘wave’ your foot underneath the car.
The power tailgate often fails to open for the following reasons:
Dead battery:
Replace the dead battery of the liftgate motor. A dead car battery can cause more issues than just preventing your car from starting. If the battery’s voltage is low, it may result in the power liftgate opening slowly.
If the battery’s power is too low, the liftgate may not open at all. However, if the car is running, the alternator should provide enough power for the liftgate to operate well. It’s worth noting that if the battery is dead, the central locking system won’t function and you will need to use a mechanical key to enter the car, instead of the key fob.
Blowing the fuse
Replace the liftgate fuse if it has blown. If an electrical component in your car is not working, checking the fuses in the fuse box is an excellent place to start. Your car’s fuse box layout guide will help you identify the correct fuse for the power liftgate motor. After identifying the fuse, take it out and check for continuity.
If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating. For fixes the problem, monitor the liftgate for a while to see if it continues to work well. If it keeps blowing fuses, it could indicate a problem with the wiring or the actuator motor, so it’s best to have it inspected. Additionally, modern cars use relays, particularly for high-current components such as high-beam headlights and power liftgate motors, to control current flow.
Wiring issues
Another issue that may cause your power liftgate to malfunction is faulty wiring or loose connections. Damage or corrosion to the wiring connecting the liftgate to the electrical system can cause liftgate malfunction.
Troubleshoot by locating the motor and checking if the wiring harness receives 12V to the ground when activating the liftgate. If not, other issues such as
- an enabled override switch, a damaged control module,
- a faulty relay,
- a blown fuse or faulty wiring may be the cause.
If there is power present, try cleaning the terminals by unplugging the wires and reattaching them. Corrosion in older cars can also prevent the terminals from making proper contact, leading to liftgate failure.
Switch problems
Some cars have a switch in the cabin or in the car’s settings menu that can disable the power liftgate. Make sure this switch is not accidentally enabled. The liftgate switch or the switch on the key fob may malfunction.
Motor failure
The liftgate motor may have failed. Replace the liftgate motor if it has failed. An accident or a defective factory component may cause the long-lasting power liftgate motor to fail unexpectedly. When the motor fails, the liftgate will not function.
- You’ll notice the lock unlatching.
- The motor won’t turn on or whirr.
- It can attempt to turn on but fail right away.
There are also other’s problems. They are:
Obstruction: An object or debris may be blocking the liftgate from opening or closing well.
Sensor issues: The liftgate sensors that detect when the liftgate is open or closed may malfunction.
Control module problems: The control module that controls the liftgate may have failed.
Programming issues: The liftgate may need to be reprogrammed if it has been reset or replaced.
Mechanical problems: The liftgate’s mechanical components, such as gears or cables, may be damaged or worn out, causing the liftgate to malfunction.
How to Solve Your Power Liftgate Problems?
In order to troubleshoot and solve problems with your car’s power liftgate. You should first consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.
If that does not help, you can try the following general steps:
Check the power liftgate’s fuse
The fuse may have blown if the liftgate is not working. To check the power liftgate’s fuse, you will need to locate the fuse box in your car. Consult your vehicle’s manual or the layout guide to identifying the right fuse for the power liftgate motor.
Once you have located the fuse, pull it out and check it for continuity. If it appears to be blown, you will need to replace it with a new fuse of a similar rating.
Check the liftgate’s wiring
Make sure that the wiring is well connected and that there are no visible defects or damage. To check the liftgate’s wiring, you will need first to identify the location of the liftgate motor.
You can set the multimeter to the voltage setting, and then touch the positive lead to the positive terminal of the wiring harness and the negative lead to the negative terminal. If the multimeter reads 12V, then the wiring is working well.
Check the power liftgate’s motor
To check the power liftgate’s motor, you can follow these steps:
- Locate the motor: The motor for the power liftgate is typically located near the liftgate itself.
- Check for power: Using a multimeter, check that the motor terminals receive 12V power when the liftgate is activated. If there is no power, you may have issues with the wiring, control module, relay, or a blown fuse.
- Test the motor: Attempt to activate the liftgate and listen for the motor to engage and make noise.
- Check for continuity: Use a multimeter for continuity in the motor. A low or zero resistance indicates that the motor is working well. If there is high resistance, the motor may be faulty.
- Check for voltage: Check the voltage across the motor terminals. If the voltage is too low, it will not be able to move the liftgate.
If none of the above steps resolves the issue, it may be best to take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis and repair.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Power Liftgate?
It costs between $237 and $250 to replace the liftgate pulldown motor on a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Replacement of the liftgate support strut costs between $112 and $119. Depending on where you live, the cost will vary.
What are the Maintenance Tips for Power Lift Gates?
Listed below are some maintenance tips to ensure your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s power liftgate functions properly and lasts a long time:
Keep the liftgate area clean:
The liftgate area, including the hinges, latch, and surrounding surfaces, should be regularly cleaned. Dirt, debris, and grime can be removed using a mild detergent and water solution. Cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or abrasives may damage the paint or components.
Make sure moving parts are lubricated:
Maintain the power liftgate’s hinges and latch mechanism by lubricating them periodically. For recommended lubricants, consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional technician. Liftgates operate smoothly when lubricated, reducing friction.
Ensure the liftgate struts are in good condition:
During lifting and lowering of the liftgate, liftgate struts support and assist. Liftgates may become difficult to open or keep open over time if the struts wear out. Ensure that the struts are not damaged, leaking, or losing resistance. A qualified technician should be consulted if they need to be replaced.
Avoid impacts on the liftgate:
Avoid striking overhead structures or other vehicles with the liftgate when opening or closing it. The liftgate components may be damaged if excessive weight is put on it. In the event that the liftgate does sustain an impact, consult a professional to ensure it works properly.
Replace the liftgate lights:
Make sure your power liftgate’s lights are functioning properly periodically if they have lights. Ensure proper visibility and safety by replacing any burned-out bulbs immediately.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions:
If the manufacturer recommends or provides specific maintenance guidelines for your Jeep Grand Cherokee, consult its owner’s manual. According to your vehicle’s model year or trim level, additional maintenance tasks or intervals may be required.
Are Power Lift Gates Worth It?
There is an increasing number of power lift gates on the market. Adding them to a car makes it seem luxurious. Accessing your trunk isn’t as difficult as lifting it yourself or putting down your groceries.
Despite their practicality, they introduce another possible failure point for your vehicle due to their complexity.
Having them is fun, but I don’t think it’s worth spending extra on. As a result, I will only take it if it is included in the car trim I am buying, but I will never pay an extra fee for it. When the alternative is paying an additional premium for a powered tailgate, there’s nothing wrong with manually opening and closing my tailgate.
As well, if I buy a used car with a high mileage, I’ll avoid such extra features, especially if they’re optional, and I can get a similar trim without a power liftgate.
Final Verdict
Why is my power liftgate not working? Well we think you might have got the answers!
Your powered liftgate is a great convenience for your car. Maintaining your power liftgate and using it well will ensure it functions safely for an extended period. Avoid manually moving it and have it serviced or repaired immediately to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
FAQ’s
Can I still open and close the liftgate manually if the power function is not working?
Most power liftgates have a manual release mechanism that allows you to manually open and close the liftgate. Consult your car’s manual for instructions on how to use this feature.
Is it safe to use a power liftgate?
Yes, power liftgates are generally considered safe to use. However, it is important to not overload the liftgate and to ensure that it is well maintained and serviced to avoid any potential safety issues.
Is there a way to reset my power liftgate?
Depending on the make and model of your car, there may be a way to reset the power liftgate by following specific steps. Consult your car’s owner’s manual or take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for further assistance.
Are Power Lift Gates Worth It?
Power lift gates are getting more common day by day. There’s nothing wrong with manually opening or closing my on the tailgate, especially if the alternative is paying an additional premium for a powered one.